Dafroza Gauthier, a key figure in the fight for justice in Rwanda, has passed away due to illness. Her husband, Alain Gauthier, a French national, founded the Collectif des Parties Civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR), an organization that seeks justice for those affected by the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Alain and Dafroza Gauthier have been instrumental in bringing perpetrators to justice in France and Rwanda.
Alain Gauthier's journey with Rwanda began in 1961 when he was 11 years old. He watched a film about the Buganda kingdom and expressed his desire to become a missionary. The priest who showed him the film encouraged him to finish his studies before pursuing his dream. Gauthier went on to study theology at the University of Strasbourg, where he spent two years. In 1968, he moved to Rwanda to teach at the Petit Séminaire de Save in Butare.
During his time in Rwanda, Gauthier developed a deep affection for the country. In 1974, a priest from his parish in France asked him to visit a young girl, Dafroza, whom they had met in Rwanda. This visit marked the beginning of their relationship, which eventually led to their marriage. The couple settled in France but continued to visit their family in Rwanda until 1990, when the RPF Inkotanyi's struggle against the government made it difficult for them to travel.
As the genocide approached in 1993, Gauthier became increasingly concerned about the situation in Rwanda. He urged French President François Mitterrand to intervene and speak with Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana to prevent the impending violence. Meanwhile, Dafroza visited her mother in Kigali but left after her mother advised her to return to France due to growing security concerns.
Tragedy struck when Dafroza's mother was killed in Nyamirambo on April 7, 1994, along with other family members. Their son, Emmanuel, was deeply affected by her death and vowed to avenge her. The couple spent the next three months trying to raise awareness about the atrocities in Rwanda. In June 1994, they organized a protest in Reims, France, to condemn France's role in the genocide.
The Gauthiers returned to Rwanda in 1996 and began pursuing those responsible for the genocide. They filed charges against Father Wenceslas Munyeshyaka, who was eventually acquitted. In 2001, they founded the CPCR, which has since filed charges against 35 individuals suspected of involvement in the genocide. While some have been tried, others remain under investigation.
The CPCR's efforts have not been without challenges. Alain Gauthier has received threatening emails, and the organization has faced obstacles in its pursuit of justice. Despite these difficulties, the Gauthiers have received recognition for their tireless work, including the prestigious Igihango Award in November 2017, which honors outstanding contributions to Rwandan-French relations.
Key points
- Dafroza Gauthier's passing marks the end of an era for Rwandan genocide activists.
- Alain and Dafroza Gauthier's work with CPCR has led to significant progress in bringing perpetrators to justice.
- The couple's dedication to justice has had a lasting impact on Rwandan-French relations.
